What Are the Top Schools for a Master's Degree (MBA) in Finance?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance could lead to a career as a financial analyst, accounting manager, controller or consultant. The following article examines three of the top U.S. universities offering MBA in Finance degree programs.

What Should I Look For In A Top MBA in Finance Program?

The best MBA programs share the quality of placing an emphasis on theory and analytics, when it comes to finance. Look for schools with state-of-the art technology, as this field is dynamic and fast paced. Candidates should seek out schools with strong connections to the banking and finance industries, schools that can offer opportunities for internships with corporate leaders and investment firms.

What Are Three Top Schools For An MBA in Finance?

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA

The University of Pennsylvania offers an MBA in Finance through the Wharton School. This program was ranked as the country's top finance MBA program in 2019 by U.S. News and World Report. Founded in 1881, Wharton is the world's oldest business college, yet it continues to provide students with state-of-the-art technology and facilities. Additionally, the University of Pennsylvania boasts the largest faculty of business schools worldwide.

The MBA in Finance places strong focus on financial theory, financial analysis, economic analysis and statistics. Required courses include corporate finance and global economics/macroeconomics. Other courses you may take include international financial markets, financial derivatives and venture capital. You can also take finance classes focused on particular worldwide regions.

MBA in Finance

University of Chicago in Illinois

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business confers a Master of Business Administration in Finance. The world's second-oldest business college, the Booth School of Business is ranked the number 2 graduate school offering an MBA in Finance by U.S. News and World Report in 2019.

Through the MBA program, you can concentrate on general finance or analytic finance. Both programs provide you with several opportunities to network and develop financial skills, through the Investment Banking Group, the Corporate Finance Group and the Hedge Fund Group. During Bank Week, you can attend banking presentations and interview banking professionals in New York City. You choose your finance specialization courses based on your personal interests, and you can complete laboratory classes to develop your practical skills.

MBA in Finance

MBA in Analytic Finance

New York University in New York, NY

New York University's (NYU) Leonard N. Stern School of Business was ranked third by U.S. News and World Report in 2019 for its MBA in Finance. NYU is located near the country's Fortune 500 company headquarters, providing students with opportunities to learn from top professionals and establish relationships with nearby alumni mentors.

Through the MBA program, you can choose from five finance specialization options: general finance, financial instruments and markets, financial systems and analytics, corporate finance or quantitative finance. Furthermore, the Stern School of Business allows you to choose up to three specializations, so you can get a well-rounded finance education or combine your studies with other areas, like global business, banking or leadership.

MBA in Finance

MBA in Financial Instruments and Markets

MBA in Financial Systems and Analytics

MBA in Quantitative Finance

MBA in Corporate Finance

Ten More of the Best Schools with an MBA in Finance

College/University

Institution Type

Location

Estimated Graduate In-State Tuition*

Columbia University

Private, not-for-profit, 4 year or above

New York, NY

$48,000

Stanford University

Private, not-for-profit, 4 year or above

Stanford, CA

$51,000

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Private, not-for-profit, 4 year or above

Cambridge, MA

$55,000

University of California-Berkeley

Public, 4 year or above

Berkeley, CA

$14,000

University of California-Los Angeles

Public, 4 year or above

Los Angeles, CA

$13,000

Northwestern University

Private, not-for-profit, 4 year or above

Evanston, IL

$54,500

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Public, 4 year or above

Ann Arbor, MI

$23,000

Harvard University

Private, not-for-profit, 4 year or above

Boston, MA

$47,000

University of Rochester

Private, not-for-profit, 4 year or above

Rochester, NY

$40,000

University of Texas-Austin

Public, 4 year or above

Austin, TX

$12,000

*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education

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